Sharapova takes No.2 ranking
02/13/2012 05:58:40 PM
Australian Open finalist Maria Sharapova has climbed back into second spot in the latest WTA rankings.
The three-time grand slam champion has made a strong start to the 2012 season, which has seen her rise two places since finishing 2011 as world number four.
A former world number one, Sharapova suffered a surprise defeat in the quarter-finals of last week's Paris Open, but took full advantage of Petra Kvitova's absence to move above her in the rankings.
The switch means the reigning Wimbledon champion slips down to third, with an Achilles injury also keeping her out of action at the Qatar Open in Doha.
Belarus' Victoria Azarenka retains top spot following her Australian Open victory, while Sharapova's move was the only rankings change in the top 10.
Germany's Angelique Kerber moved up five spots to a career-best 22nd after winning her first WTA title in Paris on Sunday.
The ATP rankings remained unchanged on Monday due to Davis Cup action over the weekend.